Yahoo! Says Bahrain Is World’s Friendliest Country, Oh Really?

NEW YORK (YBH.ME) – Today, Yahoo! news ran the following as its lead “Friendliest countries in the world: Canada no longer tops the list of the friendliest nations, a new survey says. No. 1 is in the Middle East.”

Bahrain's flag, representing the "five pillars of Islam."

The headline is sure to grab a reader’s interest, yes? Well digging into the article finds that Bahrain, the winner of the “friendliest country in the world” title according to Yahoo! and Forbes (the provider of the content to Yahoo!), was based on a survey of just 31 people. More than 6 billion people in the world and Yahoo! and Forbes base the moniker of ‘friendliest country in the world’ on just 31 respondents?

To be fair, Forbes actually says the list is of the nations that “are the most hospitable to expatriates,” Yahoo! decided to run with the “friendliest countries in the world” title.

I’m not calling Bahrain unfriendly, I’m just pointing out that the Forbes/Yahoo! story makes it impossible to conclude that Bahrain is actually the most friendly country on planet Earth.

Some evidence for and against Yahoo!’s claim.

I did a cursory search of Christian churches in Bahrain, thinking religious liberty something in short supply in the Middle East, would surely count toward a country being considered friendly. I found a list of seven churches on Wikipedia. For a Middle East country, seven is a large number (the number is most likely around 20). Bahrain has a total of three Catholic Churches, with the main one being Sacred Heart in Manama.

Digging further, alcohol availability, a sign of liberty and friendliness (at least after a couple!) to be sure, is also frowned upon in Bahrain, according to arabianbusiness.com, “[Parliament] in Bahrain have voted in favour of a blanket ban on public sales of alcohol at Bahrain’s hotels, restaurants, clubs and off-licences.” Alcohol use will still be allowed in private rooms and hotel rooms however. Not too friendly.

The Forbes article itself doubts Bahrain’s status as the friendliest country in the world is accurate, writing that “it is possible that Bahrain’s first-place finish is a fluke. Only 31 expats working in Bahrain participated in the survey, vs. more than 450 respondents from the United Kingdom.”

On the positive side, according to Forbes “Bahrain ranked as the best country to join local community groups and coordinate health care. Respondents found it less easy to make local friends and learn the languages (Arabic, Farsi and Urdu), but the country ranked in the top five when it came to finding a home, setting up finances, and finding good schools.”

The tiny archipelago is home to over 700,000 people and is a constitutional monarchy. Bahrain’s legal system is based on Islamic law and English common law. Kind of where the UK is headed. Perhaps Bahrain will serve as a guide for the UK in the future. Hey, it is the friendliest country in the world. Political parties are banned in Bahrain. The CIA refers to Bahrain as a country where there is a “substantial problem of involuntary servitude and sex trafficking.” Mmm, charming. And so friendly.

The internet age has turned the news business around, but fact checking is still required of most stories. Ink is cheap on the internet. The great thing about that is, Yahoo! can run a misleading headline and I can rebut it an hour later.

John Romano is the publisher and editor of Yes, But However!, a musician, a former political correspondent for BBC Radio London, and a serial web entrepreneur. Follow him on twitter: twitter.com/yesbuthowever or John Romano on Google+

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Post Published: 25 December 2009
Found in section: Politics

Adrian Kasey Anusitz
I agree. Bahrain is NOT the friendliest country. It is NOT! I had one of the worse times working there on several occasions. Back in 2005 – 2006 I was a Consultant in Bahrain and United Arab Emirates. The people of Bahrain are nasty, rude, selfish, and inconsiderate. Whoever pulled this data together did an incomprehensive job and the data is flawed. Oh well!

T. V
Sometimes the people of Bahrain are quite rude and inconsiderate. However, most of them, especially the locals, are hospitable and sometimes even favorable toward the Western expatriates.
N.A.K.
you DEFINITELY haven't met the right Bahrainis

T. V
I have been living in Bahrain for 12 years as an expatriate. Firstly, there are three main churches, but there ARE more that exist that people sometimes go to. That data on your part is flawed. They even have some temples, one in the main city that I sometimes attend. Secondly, the more conservative peoples of Parliament have voted for the alcohol ban. Considering Bahrain is one of the few places that have a well known establishment, BMI, open for people all over Bahrain to come and buy alcohol makes it a very liberal and very friendly country. While Bahrain does have its problems, like sex trafficking and involuntary servitude, it is not a perfect country. Yahoo! does not say that it is the best country to live in. It definitely isn't. It is one of the more friendly countries. Perhaps even the friendliest, as Yahoo! suggests.
Jenny
Bahrain IS is the friendlist country in the world! you want it or not! prolly not the states or "any" other countries…
6alal
i am a bahraini and the PROPOSED ban on alcohol has not gone through and it wont – get ur facts right!
Ted Gordon
By the way the places I visited include: USA, Canada, Austrilia, Europe & East Asian countries.
Ted Gordon
I've in Bahrain five times and I can say its one of the "friendliest countries in the world" for sure. I've been in more than 20 countries until this date and "none" of these countries come even close to Bahrain
johnny
Having been to bahrain regularly for the past 7 years, i can tell you it is by far and away an exceedingly friendly place. What the idiot who wrote this article plainly fails to understand is the aspect of per-capita ratios in qualitative sampling. How do you expect any rational human being with an iq exceeding double digits to survey the same number of people in a country of 60m such as the UK and Bahrain, a nation of barely 1m.
The UK, USA and even Canada all have issues with human trafficking, it is a global issue but at least in the middle east when caught the perpretrators get real justice, not a slap on the wrist and let out after a couple of months (UK!).
johnny
and i guess, sitting in an office and using google is what passes for investigative journalism these days.
wonder how many years of university and training it took to acquire such a skill set.
sam
haha wow yahoo is so corrupt! this is ridiculous I lived in Bahrain for many years and know for a fact it is a horrible country and the people are all very rude. to be honest just about all muslim countries are unfriendly because their laws follow their corrupt and false religion islam which is barbaric the people from Bahrain are in no way friendly and the person who wrote the yahoo article should be ashamed of themselve! and to all you people commenting the only reason you are sticking up for the article is because you are bahrian muslims and will say and do anything to protect you ways!

fifi
I would just like to say that you are a racist idiot. Bahrain is not a horrible country and IS ONE OF THE FREINDLIEST AND EASIEST PLACE TO LIVE IN … This has nothing to do with Islam or religion. You need to accept all religions and just cause you are not a muslim you do not need to critisize or insult it..
Hana
I'm a bahraini but my mother is a filipina. I have to admit, not all bahrainis are friendly but through out my whole life, never once have I heard anybody (foreigners and bahrainis) say that we are rude and barbaric. My mom is christian, a lot of my friends are christian and they don't have a problem with islam and accept and understand our religious views. You're a racist. I'm sorry that they were rude to you but maybe JUST maybe, have you thought it might be because of you? How you treat them or maybe it was a misunderstanding?
p.s. Haven't you noticed that there ARE also non-muslim non-bahrainis here who commented in a good way. And Most Bahrainis are friendly, maybe you didn't notice that or blocked them from showing it.

AYSHA
I LOVE BAHRAIN!!!IT IS THE COUNTRY WHERE MY 2 KIDS WERE BORN,
Desta
Bahrain friendly???. This is the country where there is no human right at all. The expatriates and the locals are not equal before the law. Unskilled foreigners (workers) are treated worst than those days slaves. Human trafficking is dignified with passion. In some quarters gays shine in thier business and glorified more than thier lady counterparts in prostitution openly….. WHAT A FRIENDLY COUNTRY INDEED.

N.A.K.
and where are you from

Jason
BAHRAIN IS THE BEST !!
Most friendly country in the WORLD/
Jason
Of They will survey few people u idiot, Bahrain is small with around 300,000 people !!!!!
GO BAHRAIN !!!!
nasszone
Bahrainis are amongst the most sophisticated in the Persian Gulf. Having a long history in trading, they have had longer exposure to foreigners than their Arab Gulf neighbors. Bahrain has been placed in the first position amongst Arab countries by the UN Development Program (UNDP) Human Development Report, on a number of occasion. Being placed first on the HDP reflects the substantial progress the kingdom has made as a nurturing and caring society. when it comes to crimes Unlike Australia, Canada, and the United states There is a low rate of crime in Bahrain. Incidents of petty crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching are rarely reported especially in the old market areas Incidents of Violent crime is extremely uncommon No one is allow to own a gun or any weapon in Bahrain even if they are licensed.
nasszone
Why living in Bahrain is Easy?!! well, Bahrain offer tax free business environment:
No Income tax No corporate Tax No excise Tax No sales Tax
The Bahraini Dinar is the second highest valued currency in the world.In a region experiencing an oil boom, the United Nation Economic commission listed Bahrain as fastest growing economy in the Arab world] Bahrain also has the freest economy in the Middle East according to the 2007 Index of economic freedom published by the Wall street journals , and is twenty-fifth freest overall in the world. In 2008, Bahrain was named the fastest growing financial center by the City of London’s Global finical world's fastest center index.
Bahrain's banking and financial services sector, particularly Islamic banking, have benefited from the regional boom. Bahrain .. an Arab exception. Bahrain is cutting a different cause. Not only may it’s women go out unveiled, vote, stand for election and drive cars, they may even hold sensitive positions in the country. The country’s resident already have more freedom than those of any neighboring country. So much so that they are noisily demanding more!” – The Economist -
nasszone
like it or not, Bahrain is generally more liberal than its neighbours. While Islam is the main religion, Bahrainis have been known for their tolerance, and Churches, Hindu temples, Sikh Gurdwara and a Jewish synagogue can be found alongside mosques. The country is home to several communities that have faced persecution elsewhere. Bahrain has no history of engaging in forced religious conversion. Foreign nationals as well as local minorities are able to practice their religion without interference from the government or other religious groups.
Also The Constitution states that Islam is the official religion and that Shari'a (Islamic law) is a principal source for legislation. Article 22 of the Constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings, in accordance with the customs observed in the country. For those that have visited the region, Bahrainis are portrayed as warm and friendly people, and are probably more worldly, multicultural and better travelled than other Arabian Gulf Nationals.
NAJ
This article is full of misleading information. The survey was of 3,100 participants conducted by HSBC, of which 31 were expatriates from Bahrain. Rather than just 31 participants in the survey as suggested by this lousy article.
Secondly, the editor clearly knows nothing about this jewel in the gulf called Bahrain. If he knew a little about the country he was taking the mickey of, he would have realized that seven churches for a predominantly Muslim population nation of about 700,000 people is way more than enough. The majority of the population is condensed into an area of about 20 squared kilometers. I strongly doubt there are seven churches in an area of that size in England.
Thirdly, if the editor knew anything about the region, he would have figured out how liberal Bahrain is compared to its neighboring countries. Alcohol goes against Muslim belief, yet it is allowed in the country regardless of any restrictions to where it is allowed to be sold or consumed. What you do not realized is that similar restrictions exist in the west. Can you sell alcohol without a license in the west? Are you allowed to consume alcohol wherever you like and whenever you like in the west? Consider these questions before ranting about things you have limited information about.
Another thing I would like to point out is that you might think that Bahrain discriminates against non-Muslims by not selling alcohol in the places you want, however, have you thought about the bans against Muslims in other countries? Not allowing Muslim women to wear their head scarves in France and Turkey; not allowing mosques to call for prayer in many parts of the western world; “random checking” Muslims at airport security and the list goes on.
Bahrain welcomes everybody to meet its warm population and greets everyone with open arms. Mr. Editor, please get your facts right when writing articles and do not write about things you know nothing about.
NJ – Bahrain
Jason
Bahrain is amazing !!!!!!
Mark B.
Get your facts stright mister
I'm Canadain and lived in Bahrain for the past 4 years and have never felt so welcomed in my life; not even in my home country.
and to point out what you said about survying a few amount of people, Reality check !! Bahrain is a samll cuntry with a really low population so u do the MATH mr. Genious!!!
Bahrain is by far one of the most liberal and Tolerant countries in the Middle East and ASIA!!
Some quick facts for ya :
1- Bahrain has only about 40 native Jewish people and yet they have their own worship place and the Ambassedor of Bahrain in the United state is JEWISH !! They also have a representative in The Shurá Concill . what more do you want.
2- churches can be seen alongside mosques and Budha Temples !!
3- Alcohol is legal and you can find whatever entertainment u would find in the western World in Bahrain !!!
So Before you rant about something u dont know do your research !!!
Peace,
BTW , Did I mention that I fukin LoVe Bahrain !!!
Rant
Bahrain is Amazing
excuse
Bahrain isnt the most friendly but its better than most middle eastern countries in the gulf. I think Jordan is friendlier
Steph
I can easily say I prefer living in Bahrain than to go back to the states any day. It offers a safe, healthy life style, especially for my children, rather than the experiences we all went as childhood and accepted as 'Norms' back in the US. From being judged by peers over our looks, sex lives, and relationships. This all doesn't seem to exist around here, people are very open-minded, always very friendly, and as far as I've seen they are never judgmental at all, regardless of how I dress or what my religious beliefs are.
I just love Bahrain. <3
johan
I DO NOT AGREE. BAHRAIN IS THE WORST COUNTRY SPECIALLY FOR FOREIGN WORKERS.
Bahraini Employers don't respect women, elders, skilled workers, house maids, even professionals. Their Mobility Law is a fraud. Bahraini Employers WILL NEVER release you to work for other employers. Once they know you want to transfer to another employer, they will make your stay is Bahrain miserable. They would either ask you to pay them (triple on the amount they've spent for visa) or accuse you of a crime you did not commit, to give you jail time, thus preventing you from transferring to other employers.
Bahraini Laws only favor Bahraini People, even if they are clearly violating labor and human rights of foreign workers. Here are some of the unreported employer crimes, often committed by Bahrainis:
1. Male employers raping house maids.
2. Delays in salary (not just weeks, but months)
3. Not adhering to the job contracts
4. Not giving overtime pay
5. Rude behaviours
I VOTE BAHRAIN, AS ONE OF THE WORST COUNTRIES FOR FOREIGN WORKERS!

hana
The Bahrainis that you are talking are the actual rude people. But not all of the Bahrainis are like that. As a matter of fact have you forgotten that all the other countries have the same crimes and also some have much worse crimes? Check the crime rate in Bahrain and compare to others. Bahrain IS not one the worst countries. I'm terribly sorry to who ever you are talking about (the person who was raped) and do believe those who did those sins to be punished but that does not make every Bahraini like that.
p.s. There are no taxes for foreigners and they also get a better accommodation. And have more freedom than we do. But of course, those who are housemaids depends on the family who employs you. Not all are welcoming but there are and I KNOW people who treated their housemaid with respect and caring and treated them like family.

Alex
Awww…sounds like someone's a wittle jealous. I suggest you research the statistics on crime (virtually nonexistent), depression (also virtually nonexistent), wealth (in abundance), education (highly respected worldwide), technology (latest), and housing (HUGE and only as expensive as middle class housing in countries like the US).
The fact that you had to bring up alcohol availability as a major factor of negativity just shows the weakness of your overall complaint. It's true that it's ruled by a monarchy, but it's such a peaceful, convenient, easygoing and beautiful place to live that no one cares.
I lived there for 8 years and was depressed when i first moved back to Canada.
Alex
The secret to Bahrain's success? It's a small island. The profits they generate from oil sales are huge and only need to spread out through a small economy so everyone lives well. Since the country is so small it's a very close knit community. All the best shops, malls, resorts, the beach, hotels etc. are always close by. Bahrain is a little paradise.
It can never serve as a model for the UK though because the UK is a huge economy. I can see that you're quite ignorant of the way societies function and what methods work best for what kinds of nations, maybe you should take a sociology course.
LOL
most of you say " BAHRAIN is not the FRIENDLIEST country" I disagree, I agree that most of BAHRAINIS are rude and everything, not the country. indians are kind here in bahrain

Yahoo! Says Bahrain Is World’s Friendliest Country, Oh Really?

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